UKLA Book Awards 2017 Longlists

The UKLA Selection Panel, chaired by Lynda Graham, whittled down the 398 publisher submissions to arrive at a set of longlists, which excitingly feature books in translation, nonfiction titles, poetry and debut authors as well as established and familiar names in children’s literature. Read the longlists and longlist book blurbs for each book.

More about the longlists - Longlist book blurbs by Jak Brien, UKLA Team

3-6

Alison Hubble by Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman

Alison Hubble wakes up one morning to find there are two of her. The Alisons keep doubling until they seem well on the way to taking over the world. This is a witty, original book written in lively verse which will amuse many children while introducing them to challenging ideas and rich vocabulary.

Green Lizards vs Red Rectangles by Steve Antony

A lizard gets squashed by a rectangle which leads to the biggest war ever. At last enough is enough and they learn to live together. Every page in this extraordinary book is thought provoking but accessible for young readers. Vivid language and breath-taking pictures make this a memorable and important book for young readers.

The Lion Insideby Rachel Bright and Jim Field

The little mouse who lives on the African plains knows life is tough. When he sees the lion he decides that, if only he could roar like that, he too would be respected. When he asks the lion for tips on how to roar he gets a huge surprise. Written in amusing verse partnered by detailed illustration, this accomplished book has an important message.

ZimZam Zoom by James Carter Illustrated by Nicola Cotton

Every classroom needs poetry books and here’s one which will be welcome everywhere. James Carter has a rollicking sense of rhythm and a great awareness of subjects which will grab and hold the attention of young readers. The poems here are great fun but there are also glimpses of a depth which makes us look at everyday things in new ways.

One Thing by Lauren Child

When Charlie and Lola go to the shops and are allowed to buy one thing each, there are many opportunities for thinking about the language of numbers in a believable setting which children will recognise and understand. The characterisation is deft and the narrative structure makes this a very satisfying book.

Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers

Fred has learnt the hard way that friendships don’t last. When a child finds a real friend he fades away until he is needed by another. However, with Sam everything is different. When Sam makes a new friend, her imaginary friend comes along as well. This is a thoughtful consideration of friendship which will offer more every time it is reread.

Lionheartby Richard Collingridge

Clutching his toy lion, Richard runs away from the shadowy monsters which terrify him at night. As he runs, the toy becomes a huge, benevolent lion who teaches Richard that monsters often fade if you roar loudly enough. Lionheart very cleverly takes the real fear of the dark and uses it to create a rich fantasy with a warm heart and a reassuring ending.

There’s a Bear on my Chair by Ross Collins

Mouse is not happy that there is a huge white bear sitting on his chair and, as the book continues and the bear still doesn’t shift, the mouse gets more and more angry. The story here is great but is the language which makes There’s a Bear on my Chair exceptional. This is rhyming text at its very best.

A Hungry Lionby Lucy Ruth Cummins

Few picture books balance the security of predictability and the pleasure of surprise as successfully as A Hungry Lion. As the subtitle suggests, a dwindling assortment of other characters appear and then disappear in this remarkable book. Text and pictures both play with conventions in ways which will delight children and the adults who read with them.

Grandad’s Islandby Benji Davies

Syd’s Grandad has a secret in his city attic- a ship that takes them on an adventure to a wonderful tropical island. When the time comes to leave, Grandad tells Syd he’ll have to take the journey back alone. Davies uses language and pictures to show changes of mood and meaning in a book which is open to the differing interpretations needed by readers. Allegory or fantasy, this is a skilfully structured, rewarding book.

All Aboard for the Bobo Roadby Stephen Davies and Christopher Corr

Fatima and Galo sit on the roof of their father’s bus minding the luggage as he drives his many passengers to Bobo. The journey takes them to many exciting places, all presented to the reader in joyful words and pictures. As soon as teachers open this book, they’ll see a term’s work unrolling before them. What’s best is that, when the theme is completed, the book will be loved even more.

The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

Some awful things have happened to Duncan’s crayons as they explain on the postcards which they send him. This wonderful book takes the underdogs of children’s possessions and gives them a vivid life of their own. Teachers, look after your stationery or who knows what postcards you might receive too!

Little Home Birdby Jo Empson

Little Bird loves his life in Britain and is very worried when his older brother tells him about migration. After losing all his favourite things on the dangerous journey, Little Bird comes to love his second home as well. This is a beautiful book where language and pictures create little Bird’s worlds to celebrate both the familiar and the new.

Take Away the A by Michael Escoffier and Kris Di Giacomo

You might think it was impossible to create a completely original alphabet book but you’d be so wrong. In Take Away the A the removal of a single letter transforms a word creating pairs which take readers to bizarre and fascinating places. This book will intrigue older children as they discover an entirely new way of playing with words.

Tidy by Emily Gravett

Pete the badger likes everything in the forest to be tidy. He polishes the rocks and collects all fallen leaves. When autumn comes, he decides the only thing to do is uproot all the trees and lay concrete to create a perfectly tidy place. When he realises this is a huge mistake, he does his best to restore the forest. Gravett handles important ideas with great skill in this very accessible book.

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield

When a bear cub comes across a piano in a forest clearing at first he produces horrible noises. Years of practice eventually bring a life of worldwide fame but he misses the forest and wonders whether his friends are angry that he left them with no music. Words and images are brought together to create a beautiful book which merits slow, thoughtful reading.

Solomon and Mortimer by Catherine Rayner

When two little crocodiles get bored, it seems a very good idea to play a trick on a hippo. Catherine Rayner builds the tension beautifully in this glorious book for very young children. The language is spare but always vivid and exciting and the illustrations draw you into the world of the river. Then there’s the surprise ending….

A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting by Michelle Robinson and David Roberts

Before you go out into the woods looking for bears you need some good advice. Perhaps the information given in this manual may not be helpful to most readers but it will certainly make them laugh- and they make learn a few facts. Written in a wonderfully direct way and enhanced by witty pictures, this is huge fun.

How to Find Gold by Viviane Schwartz

Anna and her friend crocodile decide to find gold so they draw a treasure map and go off on a wonderful journey. But, when you find gold, the difficult thing is deciding what to do with it. In a very accessible way, Vivian Schwartz draws her readers into making decisions with and often before the characters in the book. This is a book which will get children talking as well as laughing.

There is a Tribe of Kids by Lane Smith

A small, leaf clad boy wanders alone through the world where everything he meets is a member of a community described by wonderful use of collective nouns. Eventually, he finds his own place in his tribe of kids. Lane Smith opens the eyes of children to the beauty of the world and their ears to the beauty of language.

LucindaBelinda Melinda McCool loves to gives everyone makeovers- whether they want them or not. However, it probably isn’t wise to attempt beauty treatments on the monster she comes across in the woods. This is a delightfully subversive text where vivid language and wonderful pictures work together in a very original way.

7-11

Harry Miller’s Run by David Almond

Liam doesn’t want to visit his old neighbour, Harry Miller. He wants to train for the junior Great North Run. His mum insists and Liam is told the story of a summer day long ago when Harry and his friends ran thirteen miles for a dip in the sea and an ice cream. Almond’s ability to bring a place to life is wonderful. You’ll probably cry at the end: but they’ll be joyful tears.

The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Suzy hasn’t spoken since her best friend drowned. Trying to find out why such a strong swimmer died in the water, she begins to research jellyfish. It could be that she’ll only find answers on the other side of the world. This remarkable depiction of grieving reaches out to older readers in the honesty of its characterisations and because it is full of believable incidents.

Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce

It is impossible to summarize the plot of Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth; it is enough to say that Sputnik is an alien. Prez sees him as a boy in a kilt but everyone else sees him as a dog. And they have to save the earth. The story is a treat through all its many twists, but the real joy of this book is seeing our own world from Sputnik’s remarkable perspective.

Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot by Horatio Clare

Aubrey isn’t the sort of boy to sit around doing nothing, so when his father falls under the spell of the terrible Yoot, he is determined to make everything right again. It takes Aubrey and the wisdom of his animal friends to save his father. Funny, exciting and very wise, Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot will help many children and delight even more.

Heartsong by Kevin Crossley-Holland

Laura lives a silent life in a Venetian orphanage until she meets the composer, Vivaldi. As the world of music is unfolded to her, her life is changed for ever. This is a short, beautifully written book which is enhanced by rich illustration. 18th Venice comes alive in both words and pictures as Laura moves beyond the orphanage that has been her whole world.

Little Bits of Sky by S.E. Durrant

Set in the late 1980’s perhaps children will see this as a historical novel. The breaking down of the Berlin Wall and Poll Tax demonstrations form a background to Ira and Zac’s lives in an inner city children’s home. A holiday in the country changes everything though not in the ways which you expect. This gem of a book is certain to be popular with many young readers.

The Many Worlds of Albie Brightby Christopher Edge

Albie knows he will need to travel to parallel universes to find his mum, so he creates a vehicle to take to other realities where his mother might still be alive. If you’ve ever wished you almost understood quantum physics this is the book for you. If you haven’t, don’t worry; this splendid book is full of warmth and adventure as well as huge ideas.

The ACB with Honora Lee by Kate De Goldi

Perry has a unique way of looking at the world. When she realises that her grandmother’s memory for language is failing, she works on a dictionary of life at the Santa Lucia retirement home. Kate De Goldi handles difficult material with a lightness which makes it accessible but never trivial. This remarkable book is moving, original and very funny.

How to Fight a Dragon’s Furyby Cressida Cowell

The How to Train your Dragon series reaches its spectacular finale. It’s hard to be a hero when you feel very ordinary but Hiccup has to stop a war, safeguard the future of the dragons and discover whether he can become a wise king. Wonderfully witty, thought provoking and exciting, this book has so much to offer young readers.

Soonby Morris Gleitzman

Poland, just after the end of the Second World War, is a very, very dangerous place for Felix and his new friend Anya. Soon affirms the goodness that can be found in the worst of circumstances as Felix struggles to ensure the survival of those even more vulnerable than himself. This is a vivid exciting story which has much to say to young readers now.

The Wolves of Currumpawby William Grill

This is a biography of Earnest Thompson Seton who became a renowned wolf hunter in 19th century New Mexico. The death of Lobo, a magnificent wolf, changed Seton for ever and he devoted the rest of his life to the conservation of wildlife. This superbly written and illustrated biography covers themes which children will find engrossing and relevant.

Beetle Boy by M.G.Leonard

Who doesn’t love a book with a spectacularly evil baddie? Beetle Boy has one of the best. Darkus has to solve the mystery of what has happened to his scientist father. Aided by some wonderful beetles, and some human friends he embarks on his rescue mission. This gloriously surreal story is written with great style and confidence.

Gorilla Dawn by Gill Lewis

Imara and Bobo are children living in a rebel camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are determined that a captured baby gorilla will not be sold into captivity but by trying to rescue the gorilla they know they will be in great danger. Gill Lewis writes with great sensitivity and passion about subjects of real importance. This is a challenging and rewarding book for older children.

Under Earth, Under Water by Aleksandra Mizielińska and Daniel Mizieliński Translated by Antonia Lloyd Jones

The care and flair that have gone into the creation of Under Earth, Under Water are very impressive. A non-fiction book that takes readers to the centre of the world both the wet way and the dry way. Images and writing are both used in innovatively to make this a fascinating and very informative book either for random browsing or systematic study.

Perijee and Meby Ross Montgomery

Caitlin longs for a friend so when a tiny creature is washed up on the beach of her isolated home, she thinks she has found one. But Perijee grows, mutates and becomes the monster which the world expects. While offering a fast paced, original adventure, Ross Montgomery also gives opportunities for readers to think about how we are changed by expectations.

Greenlingby Levi Pinfold

On the Barleycorns’ farm a green baby grows from a strange flower bringing with him a summer where the land flourishes as never before with vines even blocking railways and roads. Overcoming suspicions of the strange, the neighbourhood feasts on the harvest. Then Greenling is gone. With lyrical text and beautiful paintings, this is a book that makes you read slowly and thoughtfully.

Pugs of the Frozen North by Philip Reeve and Sarah Mcintyre

The best way to save 66 pugs jettisoned from an icebound ship is to win the once in a lifetime great sled race to the North Pole. The prize is your heart’s desire, but could a pug powered sled possibly win? Read it and see. Pugs of the Frozen Northis perfect for all children who are developing stamina as readers but older children and adults will certainly try to get it for themselves.

The Wolf Wilderby Katherine Rundell

Feodora and her mother live deep in the forests of Russia where they work to teach discarded pet wolves how to be wild and free. When soldiers destroy everything she has known, Feo has to bring all her own wild knowledge to save her pack. For older children, this powerful, beautiful book will confirm the pleasures of reading.

The Journeyby Francesca Sanna

This beautiful picture book is about an ordinary, happy family and the journey they have to take when war comes to their country. ‘The further we go, the more we leave behind’ the narrator tells us. Through simple language and powerful images we are given a depth of understanding of the desperation which forces people to make the most dangerous of modern journeys.

Dreaming the Bear by Mimi Thebo

Darcy never wanted to move to Yellowstone National Park; she loves everything about her urban life. Though she is struggling with her new life, she secretly befriends a bear. The bear needs help but Darcy is weak with illness and exhaustion. Children who are almost ready for YA fiction will love the way Dreaming the Bear has its own magic while being completely unsentimental.

Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford

Al receives a letter on his twelfth birthday telling him how to work the time machine hidden in his cellar and prevent his father’s death. The letter was written four years previously; they’ve moved house and no twelve-year-old ever follows instructions exactly. Ross Welford balances heart and humour with immense skill to create a very endearing book.

12-16+

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Encouraged and coached by their father, twins Josh and Jordan are talented and ambitious basketball players. The twins, engrossed in their own lives, don’t see the signs of the tragedy approaching their family. Kwame Alexander writes in vibrant, rhythmic verse holds your attention. The themes and the language will make this a very attractive book for teenage readers.

The Icarus Show by Sally Christie

David has learnt that, if you don’t react to bullies, they find another victim. Alex can’t ignore them and his school life is made a misery. When David finds a note in his pocket telling him a boy is going to fly, he begins to realise that Alex thinks he has found a solution to the bullying. This very accessible, powerful book explores a sadly familiar situation.

One by Sarah Crossan

Tippi and Grace are teenage conjoined twins apprehensive of going to school for the first time. Just as each begins to blossom, illness forces them to take a decision which will change everything. Written in beautifully accessible free verse, One takes us into lives which are both extraordinary and familiar. This is a remarkable book: read it and see.

How not to Disappear by Clare Furniss

Seventeen year old Hattie is looking forward to a wonderful summer. Then her best friends go abroad and Gloria, a great aunt she didn’t know existed is forced into her life. During a gin fuelled road trip Hattie learns a lot about her family and about herself. How not to Disappear explores themes relevant to young reader’s lives. It is a moving, surprisingly funny, and very readable book.

The Smell of Other People’s Housesby Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

Set in Alaska in 1970, the lives of four teenagers gradually become intertwined in this powerful debut novel. The characters seem carved from the tough Alaskan environment where every aspect of life is hard and disasters come swiftly and often. Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock’s poetic language and vivid imagery bring thenarrative to life.

Crow Mountainby Lucy Inglis

In 1867 Emily is travelling across remote parts of Montana to meet her fiancé for the first time. In the present day, Hope is on holiday in a Montana ranch. Two love stories merge as Hope discovers and reads Emily’s diaries. With its huge scope and powerful characterisation, Crow Mountain draws you in and holds you to the end.

Hell and High Waterby Tanya Landman

In 18th century Devon, when his father is deported for a theft he didn’t commit, Caleb has to find an aunt he has never met and who does not want this mixed-race teenager in her life. When Caleb finds a body washed up on the shore, he and his cousin Lettie get pulled into a wicked world. With its short chapters, terrific pace and depth of research, this is a glorious book.

The Stars at Oktober Bendby Glenda Millard

Alice’s memories were taken from her when she was attacked, raped and left for dead. Manny cannot leave his memories of life as a boy soldier behind him. Written in two distinct voices, Glenda Millard brings two lives together in a book which affirms our capacity to survive and grow, and the essential goodness of people.

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

In a small town, deep in the forest, strange lights appear and teenagers are dying. Yes, you’ve heard it all before, and so have the four teenagers who are the heart of this astounding book. They just want to survive to high school graduation and go to college. It’s funny, clever and totally original; the sheer audacity of The Rest of Us Just Live Here is astounding.

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen by Susin Nielsen

Henry’s life was broken apart when his older brother couldn’t take any more bullying and took a gun to school. Living in a new city and attending a school where no-one knows his past, Henry is determined to re-unite his parents and start to rebuild a family life. Powerful and very raw, The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen is a remarkable book.

The Nestby Kenneth Oppell Illustrated by Jon Klassen

A new-born baby is seriously ill and a family is distraught. When Steve, the baby’s older brother is stung by a wasp, the queen wasp begins to speak to him. She says she can save the baby and make everything right. Kenneth Oppel creates his story as wasps create a nest: it is full of cells in which readers’ interpretations are able to grow.

Railheadby Philip Reeve

Zen is a petty thief living in a future where sentient trains travel to a network of alternate worlds. Things start to happen that draw Zen close to the secrets at the heart of the universe. The story is exciting and thought-provoking; Zen is a believable and sympathetic character but what makes this book compelling is the scope of creation in the setting.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D Schmidt

Jack’s new foster brother is fourteen. Joseph has already tried to kill a teacher and he has a three-month old daughter. As the two boys gradually become friends, Jack realises that there is much more to Joseph’s life than he could have imagined. This rewarding book uses clear, simple language to tell a story which KS3 students will find compelling.

The Marvelsby Brian Selznick

This remarkable book starts with the image of a child tied to the mast of a sailing ship and then tells the story, entirely through pictures, of five generations of actors. Then, suddenly, we are in 1990’s Spitalfields in London and Joseph who has run away from boarding school tells his story in words. The whole book entwines readers in a rich, coherent narrative as the elements come together.

Salt to the Sea by RutaSepetys

Towards the end of World War Two, thousands of refugees are converging on the ports of Eastern Prussia. Focusing on four teenagers with very different pasts, RutaSepetys brings the terrors of this time vividly to life. The book takes fictional characters into real events in a way which makes the story very powerful.

Islandby Nicky Singer Illustrated by Chris Riddell

Cameron is, to put it mildly, reluctant to spend months on an Arctic island with his scientist mother. Once there he is befriended by an Inuit girl and learns about her very different ways of explaining her life and the relationship between people and the environment. This beautifully written and illustrated book explores an important theme very vividly.

Concentr8 by William Sutcliffe

In a world where ADHD is an epidemic and a wonder drug (Concentr8) is prescribed to thousands, a politician changes a policy and the riots start. Troy and his friends wouldn’t call themselves a gang but somehow they end up in a disused warehouse and with a hostage. Terrifying events, great pace and completely believable characters make this a thought-provoking book.

Maresi by Maria Turtschaninoff translated by A.A. Prime

Maresi lives in the Red Abbey, an island sanctuary for women. She is happy in the orderly life of the novices. But then Jai arrives, fleeing from cruelty and terrible danger. Through Jai, Maresi learns more about the world beyond the island and then that world invades her own. This fantasy satisfies readers with depth of characterisation and powerful storytelling.

Fire Colour Oneby Jenny Valentine

Iris has never met her father but news that he is dying brings her, her mother and stepfather to Britain. The story is told through scenes from Iris’s past with her family and friend Thurston, from her mother’s marriage and from her father’s childhood. Through these short, cleverly written filmic episodes, readers come to understand the love hatred and greed of the present.

My Name’s Not Friday by Jon Walter

Samuel was brought up in an orphanage. He was never meant to be a slave but when he takes the blame for a desecration of the chapel, that’s what he becomes. Against the background of the American Civil War, Samuel adapts and helps others. But soon the fighting destroys his new life. This tightly-plotted, important book gives a new perspective on a terrible time.

Survivors of the Holocaustby Zane Whittingham and Ryan Jones

In this graphic novel, six holocaust survivors recount their early lives. The horrors of Nazi Germany are shown through startling imagery and the dignified understatement of the survivors’ words. Arrival in Britain was certainly not always a happy ending. The very modern form of this book brings these stories of children and teenagers powerfully to life.